2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 Ford S-Max MOT pass rate and common faults

5,250 MOT tests in 2024. 79.8% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time79.8%
Failed or needed repairs20.2%
Typical mileage at test62,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 5,250 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.2%
    286 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
    277 marked dangerous
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    109 marked dangerous
  6. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.9%
  7. Position lamp: not working0.7%
  8. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.6%
  9. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative0.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres9.1%
  2. Brakes7.5%
  3. Lights & electrics6.6%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  5. Seat belts & airbags0.8%
  6. Number plates & VIN0.6%
  7. Suspension0.6%
  8. Emissions & leaks0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm23.4%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick16.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.2%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt7.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Ford S-Max?

In 2024, 79.8% of 2017 Ford S-Max cars passed their MOT first time, across 5,250 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Ford S-Max?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 Ford S-Max reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 100, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).